A NEW visitor centre which is set to entice more people to the town in order to showcase a village’s fascinating industrial history opened yesterday.
The new hub - at Elsecar Heritage Centre - is designed to help visitors uncover 250 years’ worth of compelling stories.
Elsecar’s journey from a quiet hamlet to a thriving industrial village has been brought to life through engaging exhibits and hands-on activities suitable for families of all ages.
Over 600,000 are estimated to visit each year, including the village’s park, reservoir, canal and Trans Pennine Trail.
The centre now shares more information about the village, changes throughout Elsecar’s history, new archival materials and a greater number of historical collections on display.
People will be able to explore how Elsecar established itself as an important industrial heritage site with global connections, built and developed over many years by the Fitzwilliam family in connection with Wentworth Woodhouse.
Highlights include the Newcomen Beam Engine, one of the oldest steam engines in the world still in its original location.
In April 1928, Henry Ford famously offered a ‘blank cheque’ to purchase the engine for his museum in Michigan, but the offer was declined by Earl Fitzwilliam.
Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture at Barnsley Council, said: “This project is a fantastic example of how community engagement can create something truly special.
“Every contribution has helped to make this centre an outstanding resource for everyone, and it’s truly fascinating to explore Elsecar’s long and impressive history.
“The visitor centre takes visitors through legacy and changes of Elsecar, right up to present day where the Elsecar New Yard workshops have been repurposed from an industrial working site to a vibrant heritage centre filled with independent businesses, shops and cafes.
“In addition to a greater collection of historical artefacts on display, visitors can now explore interactive elements such as models, dressing-up opportunities, trails, and even sensory features like historical smells.
“I encourage residents and visitors to come and discover this wonderful addition to Elsecar Heritage Centre.”
Adding a personal touch, a watch crafted by local watchmaker Henry Vaughan will go on display for the first time.
This watch, previously purchased by the Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust for the collection, holds a fascinating connection.
Henry Vaughan’s great-granddaughter is now part of the visitor centre’s staff - a discovery made during this very project.
Meanwhile, drainage and public realm works will start later this year, and other buildings including the ironworks are due to be completed next spring.
Coun Robert Frost, cabinet spokesperson for core services, added: “Elsecar has gone from strength-to-strength as a visitor destination in recent years with record visitor numbers, increasing businesses and jobs on the site and an events programme showcasing hundreds of small businesses every year.
“The heritage in the village is now recognised to be of national importance, too.”
